‘My Best Friend Is A Vampire’ Blu-Ray Review – Lighthearted Paranormal Teen Shenanigans

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.

Return to Milton High School in this beloved ’80s teen comedy now available on Blu-ray™ for the first time. Shortly after high school student Jeremy Capello (Robert Sean Leonard) goes on a hot date, he finds he can’t stand garlic and can’t see his reflection in mirrors, but he can make a delicious raw-steak shake. As maniac vampire hunter Professor McCarthy (David Warner) stakes him out, Jeremy just wants to pursue his high school crush. Also starring Rene Auberjonois with an appearance by Oscar® winner Kathy Bates.

For thoughts on My Best Friend Is A Vampire, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic: 

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Video Quality

My Best Friend Is A Vampire finally makes its Blu-Ray debut with a 1080p transfer that is overall a good enough effort but will not be blowing anyone away. There are no details provided about the transfer, but this appears to be derived from a dated master that has not had a substantial amount of work done to it. Colors largely hold up well with most moments providing a sumptuous palette, but there are scenes where the color timing feels a bit off or anemic. Black levels could use some work, but they are passable in their depth. 

There are fleeting specks of print damage present in the transfer that did not get cleaned up during the digital restoration. Quality shifts from location to location as the film can look either surprisingly clear and detailed or a bit soft and lacking crisp detail. The transfer is naturally filmic with only a small moments of processing and some decent detail in the landscapes, production design and texture of the clothing. This film has largely been forgotten on home entertainment, and a new 2K or 4K scan would have given it an even richer return to the zeitgeist. 

Audio Quality

Lionsgate Home Entertainment brings us this new Blu-Ray with a lossless DTS-HD 5.1 and 2.0 Master Audio mix that accurately and admirably reproduces the soundscape of the narrative. Dialogue holds up without concern, coming though clearly without being overshadowed by the music or sound effects. The environmental effects are defined well from the hustle and bustle of the hallways to some of the more spooky sounds. The surround sound track really helps the movie feel a bit more three-dimensional and spacious. The music that always holds up with a top notch fidelity. This track accomplishes what it sets out to do. Optional English, English (SDH) and Spanish subtitles are provided on this disc.

Special Features

• Audio Commentary: Director Jimmy Huston delivers an informative commentary track moderated by film historian Nathaniel Thompson in which he discusses the creation of the film, the casting of various performers, his career at the time, the ways in which the production was disrupted, and so much more. 

• A Most Alternative Lifestyle – A Conversation with Writer & Associate Producer Tab Murphy and Production Executive Ken Aguado: A new 19-minute interview with these two key figures in which they discuss the quick development of the script, the Kings Road production company, the history of titles assigned to the movie, the collaboration with director Jimmy Huston, the special effects work and more. 

• Gabbing with Grimsdyke – An Interview with Actor Paul Wilson: A new nearly 13-minute interview with Wilson in which he discusses his background, getting a part in this film, famous faces on set, memories from the production and more.  

• Trailers: This disc provides the Theatrical Trailer (1:38) and the Teaser Trailer (1:28). 

• Stilly Gallery: A Still Gallery is included here. 

Final Thoughts

My Best Friend Is A Vampire is on the lower end of lighthearted paranormal movies aimed at the teenage crowd. The film has its moments of charm thanks to its charismatic cast, but the story is never too exciting or surprising. Rene Auberjonois is our personal standout this time with his brief screen time. Those who have a nostalgia for these ‘80s films or just want something accessible yet spooky will find more to appreciate in this than most. Lionsgate Home Entertainment has released a new Blu-Ray through their Vestron Video Collector’s Series featuring a decent A/V presentation and a good array of special features. If you are a fan of the film, this is a solid package at a good price. 

My Best Friend Is A Vampire is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray and Digital. 

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Lionsgate Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.